Answer
Thermal Expansion: As the Earth's climate warms, the ocean absorbs more heat from the increased concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, particularly carbon dioxide. This additional heat causes seawater to expand and take up more volume, leading to an increase in sea levels. Thermal expansion is currently the dominant contributor to sea level rise.
Melting of Land-Based Ice: The melting of glaciers and ice sheets on land also contributes to rising sea levels. As global temperatures increase, ice masses in polar regions, such as Greenland and Antarctica, are experiencing accelerated melting. The meltwater from these ice sheets flows into the oceans, adding to the overall volume of seawater.
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